Headlight restoration?

[wilz]

I tried restoring a headlamp and it turned out great. Didn't cost me much too except that i couldn't find any UV creme around this parts. Just used a 1200 and wet sand the head lamp with it lightly, polish it with toothpaste and the head lamp was good as new. For your firing order.

[Chips-B-Gone]

With the Dvelup system the last wipe on layer is a UV layer according to Mimi at Dvelup. She also guarentees is for 2 years.

[chips1144]

Im wanting to do headlight restoration, Im looking at all angles, Im interested in long term results, pricing, and time to do a job that I can be proud of.

I want to be able to fix them as fast as possible so my price can be reasonable, that way I should be able to get plenty of work.

Thanks to everyone for their input.

[GTECH]

chips1144,
You can get long term results if you get the process down a certian , how are you doing them,?? the pricing will vary from your location, and if you can get the sand blasted /pits out,on high end vehicles you can do very well ,and the end results will be showroom finish.if you need more help, let me know. good luck,to do a set will take about an hour ( NO BAND-AID) also if you line them up you can do two to three at a time,if you need more help, let me know

[Chips-B-Gone]

I purchased the starter kit from dvelup and am VERY impressed with it!!!Although I can't get a very high price for it around here where I live. about 2 hrs from me in Roanoke VA they are charging $65 per set but I am lucky to get $40 here. That goes for windshield repair too. I can get 35-45 and that's it. We have a couple of "cut throat" techs around here. One charges $25 for a repair. I REFUSE to go that low.

I am doing everything by hand... I tried using a buffer on my own explorer and "burnt" the plastic. It takes about and hour to an hour and a half depending on the severity og the damage. I did a 2 Jeep Cherokees this week. Both were extremely trashed but after I stripped them and buffed and put on the 2 part slicker of Dvelups they looked better than new. One was a travelers vehicle and the other was a dealer.

Chips, If the damage is severe do not be afraid to use 400 grit first. Progressivly move up...400, 600, 1000 then 1500. Sounds like alot but the stripping process goes much faster and turns out much better. I also hand buff using thier compound with ablue shop towel (the kind that comes on a roll). They look great. I have pictures of a demo headlight and my brother-in-laws van that I did on my website. If you would like to see them drop me a PM and I will send the web address.

Just my 2 cents.

[chips1144]

GTech, Thanks for your response.

I'm not repairing headlights at the moment, I just think it could be another way to add to my bottom line.
I agree pricing is going to different everywhere, still Id like to do a Top Notch job and charge a Top Notch price, at the same time I don't want to rob customers, my service needs to be affordable, I'm thinking a dealer minimum of $30 -$35 per light, more would be nice, your pricing looks very good to me, I've spoke to some dealers who pay $480 to replace a set of headlights on an F150, I know I can save dealers some serious money, I want my repairs to be unbeatable, long lasting, I hate complaints or redo's.

I don't mind spending time and good money on products as long as I can make a fair profit.

You say that you spend an hour per set, How much of that time is down time waiting for clears to dry?.

I see you use the a modified IPS system, Does the IPS polisher work good on those small/ thin eyebrow lights such as the older Sebrings, I've been looking for a small sander /polisher, I want to be able to use power tools in order to speed up my repairs... I've sanded and polished by hand for years and I'm getting tired of that.

Thanks for your Help, Its appreciated.

[chips1144]

Chips-B-Gone...

$40 seems very cheap for a pair of headlights but I'm sure you are trying to get as much as possible.
Cut Throat Tech's usually don't last, they operate on price not quality, and after a while they get tired of working for less, they either raise prices or go out of business.
If you got that $25 wsr price from another person don't be sure its a fact... Ive made that mistake... hearsay can be a problem...

Maybe your buffer was too fast for plastic... Id like to find a sander/ buffer to speed up the repair and give it a professional look, I already use blue scottowels they are great.

I've seen the Cherokee headlights they can be pretty bad.., Better than New is excellent. I hope you took pic's and made some decent money.

Id use 400 if I had to, some lights are really trashed.

Thanks again...

[Berg]

found over the net that janvill inc as a headlight restoring system , i wonder if its good?

Berg

[harrellbenjamin]

found over the net that janvill inc as a headlight restoring system , i wonder if its good?

Berg

Save your money.If you want to do them right for good price and results check out Dvelup.com I have used their product for over a year and have made plenty with it.

[Gregg]

I too would like to add HLR to my business.

My question is for you guys that have gone from doing it by hand to using some type of machine. Was it easier and faster? Was it worth paying for the extra equipment, if so, any suggestions on brands/types of buffers/sanders.

I saw on dvelup web site that they have a buffer and sander for sale. Anyone have luck with this equipment?